Two little lines I heard one day
As I plodded on in my usual way;
And they rang in my ears again and again,
Repeating in solemn, sweet refrain:
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past;
Only what’s done for God will last”

 ”Only one life?” yes, only one;
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Am I living this life for self alone?
At the Judgment Seat shall the truth be known.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past;
Only what’s done for God will last”

“Only one life”…a few brief years,
Each with its burden of hopes and fears;
Each with its record of good and ill,
As I please myself, or obey His will.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past;
Only what’s done for God will last”.

Give me, Father, a purpose deep
In joy or sorrow Thy trust to keep;
And so, through trouble, and care, and strife,
To glorify Thee in my daily life.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past;
Only what’s done for God will last”.